JSW Steel has urged the government to allocate a larger share of import quotas for low-ash metallurgical coke (met coke) to ensure smooth operations at its steel plants in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh. The company’s request comes amid supply constraints under the current cap of 1.4 million metric tonnes for the period through December 2025, which is shared among multiple importers.
Met coke, a key raw material in blast furnace operations, is essential for producing high-quality steel. While India produces met coke domestically, the supply often falls short of the steel sector’s requirements, particularly in terms of low ash content needed for efficient and cleaner production. JSW Steel, one of the country’s largest steelmakers, relies heavily on imported met coke to supplement domestic availability, especially for its integrated steel plants that require consistent quality and volume to maintain output levels.
The company has highlighted that the quota restrictions are affecting its ability to operate at optimal capacity, with logistics constraints compounding the challenge. Import shipments must be carefully scheduled within the limited quota allocation, leading to potential delays and higher costs. These constraints come at a time when JSW is witnessing strong demand for steel from infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors, making steady raw material supply critical.
Industry analysts note that the quota system was introduced to balance import dependency and encourage domestic coke production, but large steel producers argue that the current limit is insufficient to meet operational needs. A higher allocation for key producers like JSW could help sustain production momentum, especially as the company continues to expand capacity.
The government’s decision on the request will be closely watched, as it could have implications for steel output levels, pricing trends, and supply chain stability in the coming months.
